[Ralys]

I've shot guns before, been through several safety course, etc...never owned one though. My dad isn't a gun owner, so I haven't been around guns my entire life like most southerners are.

I turn 16 in June, and when I get my license, I figure I can transport myself to a gun range easily enough.

HOWEVER...being a minor, am I even allowed by law to transport a gun, loaded or unloaded, AT ALL? Speaking of long guns here...from what I do understand, handguns are considered concealed weapons when carried in vehicles, and thus require a concealed carry license of some sort? Same thing for long guns? Is it worth my time to get one before I turn 18?

Thinking about a mossberg 500/590.

 

[paaiyan]

I can't speak for transporting, but most ranges won't let a minor shoot without supervision.

 

[pgrass101]

You cannot be in possession of a pistol until you are 18 in Alabama.

You can shoot on wildlife management ranges if you are 16 and older and in possession of a valid Alabama hunting license. You can transport an unloaded long gun in your trunk or otherwise unassessable to you in the vehicle if you are in possession of a hunting license and are on your way to/from lawfully hunt or to/from a range.

http://www.outdooralabama.com/images/file/2013-13 WFF/2012-13 Complete Reg Book -12-5-12 web.pdf

 

[mprp]

Welcome to the forum Ralys! Sure is great to see younger people getting into firearms ownership and actually caring enough to inquire as to how to do it right and legally. There are some great people here on DC from your area that will help you out I'm sure with some local legalities but I just wanted to congratulate you on your mature approach to gun ownership and the responsibilities that come with it, having no prior experience or being taught by your dad. Never stop learning! And when you are old enough to have a family of your own, you're going to really enjoy passing down your experiences to your kids. Stay safe and again, welcome to DC from Northern California.

 

[pgrass101]

BTW you cannot buy a long gun until you are 18.

Hopes this answers your questions

 

[TedBeau]

Welcome to DC.
As far as pistols in a car, in many states it's true, unless the gun is locked in a case inaccessable to the driver or occupants you would need a concealed weapons permit. Also I would check federal laws regarding a minor in posession of a handgun. I wouldn't be surprised if you had to be at least 18, maybe even 21 unless with a guardian.
I would discuss target practice with your father, perhaps it's something you two could learn and enjoy together.

 

[Ralys]

I can't speak for transporting, but most ranges won't let a minor shoot without supervision.

Hm, really? I could very easily be wrong, but I thought my scoutmaster had said something about a range I could go to by myself.

You cannot be in possession of a pistol until you are 18 in Alabama.

You can shoot on wildlife management ranges if you are 16 and older and in possession of a valid Alabama hunting license. You can transport an unloaded long gun in your trunk or otherwise unassessable to you in the vehicle if you are in possession of a hunting license and are on your way to/from lawfully hunt or to/from a range.

http://www.outdooralabama.com/images/file/2013-13 WFF/2012-13 Complete Reg Book -12-5-12 web.pdf

Thanks, man. What would it take for me to get a hunting license?

Welcome to the forum Ralys! Sure is great to see younger people getting into firearms ownership and actually caring enough to inquire as to how to do it right and legally. There are some great people here on DC from your area that will help you out I'm sure with some local legalities but I just wanted to congratulate you on your mature approach to gun ownership and the responsibilities that come with it, having no prior experience or being taught by your dad. Never stop learning! And when you are old enough to have a family of your own, you're going to really enjoy passing down your experiences to your kids. Stay safe and again, welcome to DC from Northern California.

I appreciate the welcome!

BTW you cannot buy a long gun until you are 18.

Hopes this answers your questions

Thanks, I'm aware of that. My question was more about the legality of transporting it.

Welcome to DC.
As far as pistols in a car, in many states it's true, unless the gun is locked in a case inaccessable to the driver or occupants you would need a concealed weapons permit. Also I would check federal laws regarding a minor in posession of a handgun. I wouldn't be surprised if you had to be at least 18, maybe even 21 unless with a guardian.
I would discuss target practice with your father, perhaps it's something you two could learn and enjoy together.

Yeah, I have. He's interested as well, but his current job is keeping him about two hours south of where we live for the weekdays, and I'm working weekends. So that would be the main reason I'm looking into going solo.

 

[pgrass101]

Take a look at the hunting reg link I posted.

You have to take a hunters safety class and pass a test.

I'm old and they didn't require it for me when I got my hunting license

 

[Richard58]

Check ur local and state laws before doing anything.

 

[MrBuckwheat]

Maybe you can get a "big brother" to take you shooting until you reach a legal age.